Army Investigates Low-Flying Helicopter Near Kid Rock’s Nashville Property

The U.S. Army has opened an administrative review after a video posted by musician Kid Rock showed military helicopters flying unusually low near his property in the Nashville area.

The footage, shared on March 28, appears to show at least one AH-64 Apache helicopter hovering at a very low altitude, roughly level with a hillside swimming pool at the artist’s home in Whites Creek, Tennessee. In the video, Kid Rock—whose real name is Robert Ritchie—is seen saluting, clapping, and gesturing toward the aircraft while standing near a replica Statue of Liberty on his property. He also used the post to make a political remark aimed at California Governor Gavin Newsom.

Army officials confirmed that the helicopters belong to the 101st Combat Aviation Brigade, part of the 101st Airborne Division based at Fort Campbell. According to the Army, the aircraft were conducting a routine training mission, and no request or authorization had been made for a private flyover.

In a statement, Maj. Jonathon Bless, a public affairs officer for the division, said the review will determine whether flight crews followed proper procedures. He emphasized that Army aviators are required to follow strict safety standards and established flight regulations. If violations are found, appropriate action will be taken.

The incident has raised questions about whether the pilots may have deviated from their planned route or engaged in prohibited behavior. Low-altitude maneuvering near private property—especially hovering—can fall under “flat-hatting,” a term used for unauthorized or show-off flying that violates military rules.

The situation has also drawn political attention. A spokesperson for Governor Newsom criticized the footage, describing it as a potential misuse of taxpayer-funded military resources.

Separately, helicopters matching the same type were reported in the vicinity of a “No Kings” protest in Nashville on the same day. The Army stated that any overlap in timing was coincidental and not connected to the demonstration.

The administrative review is ongoing, and officials have not yet said whether any rules were broken.